Clay County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent taught Healthy Bladder Habits as a leaders training to Wilderness Trail Area leaders, total of 11 participants. Research suggests that 50% of women will experience urinary incontinence (UI) at some point in their lifetime and half of women experiencing UI do not discuss it condition with their physician. After 4 months a follow up evaluation was completed with these results 55% stated they gained knowledge on Pelvic floor and urinary incontinence and good bladder habits, 18% started using the food and  beverage tracker and stopped eating foods and beverages that could irritate my bladder, 36% started using pelvic floor exercises, 36% have started using the pelvic floor exercise, 36% have talked to their doctor about urinary incontinence.  

This lesson aimed to teach healthy bladder habits and exercises to help prevent/reduce severity of UI as well as reduce stigma so that more women feel comfortable speaking to a healthcare specialist. 

After participating in the Healthy Bladder Habits lesson, participants on average  • 98% Gained knowledge about the pelvic floor and urinary incontinence •  98% Gained knowledge about good bladder habits • 98% Gained knowledge that certain food and drinks may irritate my bladder •  100% Gained knowledge about pelvic floor exercises that can help prevent or reduce UI • 100% Feel more comfortable talking to my doctor about urinary incontinence. 

 Leaders really liked the list of different foods and drink that can impact incontinence and the exercises that were shared.  All would recommend the program to others.